PURI ANYAR

Inside the royal compound are peaceful gardens, pavilions with unusual gold-plated carvings, and many charming traditional buildings filled with well-preserved antiques and art objects.

The bale gong (concert hall) in front of the 'puri' houses artwork, the royal orchestra, and an impressive collection of musical instruments, 'kris' and sacred masks. On the right as you enter the 'puri' is a courtyard containing the family shrines, embedded with Chinese and Dutch porcelain and tiles. One rare blue Delft piece dates from the Napoleonic period. Bonaparte can be seen on horseback.

Tektekan

Not actually a dance but a procession of men carrying bamboo split drums and giant cowbells around their necks, this classical, very old orchestra is played to exorcise malignant spirits when an epidemic, serious drought, or pestilence befalls the village

The ceremony accompanies the Calon Arang, a legend dating from the 10th century in Java. Puri Anyar's Tektekan is made of bamboo, whereas the typical Balinese 'kebyar gong' is made of bronze.

This unique ensemble marches through the village only on the day before the Balinese New Year, whenever an exorcism is required, on certain auspicious days, or by special order of the raja when a tourist bus arrives. The drama must be accompanied by blood sacrifices (a small chicken or duck) at both the beginning and end.